File setWritable() method in Java with Examples

Last Updated : 11 Jul, 2025

The setWritable() method is a part of File class.The function sets the owner's or everybody's permission to Write the abstract pathname. The function is a overloaded function. One function requires two parameters and the other only one. Function Signature:

public boolean setWritable(boolean a, boolean b)
public boolean setWritable(boolean a)

Function Syntax:

file.setWritable(boolean a, boolean b)
file.setWritable(boolean a)

Parameters: The function is a overloaded function:

For the first overload:
- If a true value is passed as the first parameter then it is allowed to Write the abstract pathname, else it is not allowed to Write the file.
- If a true value is passed as the second parameter then the Write permission applies to the owner only, else it applies to everyone
Return value: This function returns a boolean value which states whether the operation succeeded or not. Exception: This method throws Security Exception if the function is not allowed write access to the file. Below programs will illustrate the use of the setWritable() function Example 1: We will try to change the setWritable permission of owner of a existing file in f: directory. Output:
```
Writable permission is set
```
Example 2: We will try to change the setWritable permission of everyone of a existing file in f: directory.